Here it is, the big day, at long last.

I didn’t know if you could make it.

Knowing you for this time has been a blast.

Yes, there were times you had to fake it,

Better to be bold when the die is cast!

Some fear, a doubt or two, you learned to shake it.

I think your run would be this long - it came up fast.

I bet no one thought you’d make it this far, but you learned to give it as well as you could take it.

You’re still young, in the grand scope of time.

I could point to your age, venerable, to be sure.

But age is not what makes a thing great or sublime.

It’s what you did your life and what you did endure.

I don’t know if I can judge what value you gave.

It’s hard to say when weighing such a life.

One thing I know, you were always his brave!

Despite your battles, injustice, pain and strife.

There’s still so much you have yet to do,

So much grace, hope, faith, and charity to bring.

I wish to see you standing tall, in your field of blue,

When arrows fly above your sky, from sea to sea I hope we sing.

Oh, beauty, sweet Liberty, how quick the years have passed.

Oh, my dear, there’s still much good you haven’t done.

Your legacy, no doubt, like your boundaries will be vast.

But what to do with such great treasure you have won?

After a quarter millennium your light still survives.

It wasn’t easy, staying true or just - remaining free!

Happy birthday, America, may you always thrive!

Please keep your valiant virtue, your values and your liberty.